Changing the law of the river

The Bureau of Rec-lamation has released a draft plan
to change the way the Colorado River is managed within Nevada,
Arizona and California (HCN, 2/21/94). "The lower Colorado River
needs to meet the water needs of more people," says commissioner
Dan Beard. "In the past, we have managed the river primarily to
serve agricultural and power concerns. This plan will promote
conservation, water transfers and other methods to provide more
supplies for cities, suburbs, fish, wildlife and other interests."
The proposed regulations would allow voluntary transfers of water
both within states and across state lines. Irrigation districts and
cities drawing water from the river would be required to develop
conservation programs. And taxpayers would no longer pay the full
cost of administering Colorado River entitlements. Beginning in
1995, water users would share this cost by paying a fee to the
bureau. To encourage public discussion, the bureau is making copies
of the draft plan available before the proposed rules are published
in the Federal Register later this summer. For a copy, contact Dale
Ensminger, Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, Box 61470,
Boulder City, NV 89006
(702/293-8659).